My Dad has passed

David Stifle

David Stifle

Joined
Nov 20, 2008
Messages
10,188
My Dad died on May 14th from a heart attack. He was 89 years old and married to my Mom for 65 years. He left four sons and numerious grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a WW2 veterean, an avid knife and gun collector, a skilled hunter, and a accomplished mechanic, autobody repair man, woodworker, and gardner. There wasn't much he couldn't do with his hands. The last four years of his life his health began to fail, his eyesight went as did his hearing and he was in constant pain, which Doctors failed to diagnose. He died surrounded by his family. I know Death was a mercy in this case, but I miss him. I am what I am because he taught me so much.

My focus now, as is that of my brothers, is to take care of our Mom. She is 82 and quite a firecracker! I think she's going to be alright.
 
In my Dad's case, death was his friend. I overheard him talking to God one night, he said he couldn't take the pain anymore, and asked God to take him. The odd thing is, I am not grieving, I just feel a terrible sense of loss. I'm not sure why I posted this, except I just wanted to let you guys know another good man has passed. It just seemed the right thing to do. I thank you guys for your prayers.
 
He left you sound in mind if not in body, he went in peace.
I have a feeling he was as proud of his family as you are of him.
 
It is always hard when Dad crosses over. If we are fortunate, we have many loving memories and a hope that a little of Dad's ways rubbed off on us.

There is not a day that I don't think about my Dad. Fathers are special people and can't be replaced. We can never fill their shoes, but we can try to follow in their footsteps and make them proud.

Thinking about you, your Mom, and the other family members.

Robert
 
rmdmooch, thank you. I was fortunate to have him as my dad, he had a wicked sense of humor, a gentle side, but he could give us kids a look that would freeze us in our tracks. (LoL)

Robert, thank you for the true words.
 
I know that when my time is up, I would only hope to be remembered in the same way you speak of your father, David. Thank you for sharing your loss, brother.

Rick
 
The word hero is thrown around so easily today but I'm sure it was meant to describe people like your dad! In every sense he is the true American hero, WW2 vet, father, husband, and teacher, David you should be so proud of him and his accomplishments. God bless you and your family.
 
My condolences, may he have a safe trip to heaven and rest in peace.
 
Thanks Rick,

The one thing that came over me was a powerful realization I needed to keep the people I love closer than I have been. In the end, the only thing you truely leave behind are the people who make up your life.

Final Option, thank you. My Dad was the product of simpler times. raised as a farmer's son, he valued a meal plucked from his garden more than a meal in a fine restaurant. My Dad, like others of his generation, fought in the last war this country waged in which all Americans were united, yet he Never spoke of it. He never thought of himself as a hero, but he was in so many ways.

wolfmann601, i think he is in heaven. At the age of 85, he went in front of the church congregation and publicly accepted Christ as his savior. Never an outwardly religious man, I think he found peace of mind from religion in his last years.
 
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I feel your pain. My father passed away on Easter just 6 weeks ago after a year + battle with cancer, he was 57. I know how you feel with the great feeling of loss but at the same time not in terrible grieving. for me I had a year to prepare so I feel I had made peace knowing his wishes and making sure everything had been said but no matter it is still very tough with the emptiness in your heart. Also lost my mother-in-law last august to a heart attack too so death has been a strangely familiar thing in both sides of my family lately.

Hang in there, think about the awesomeness of your father, the good times, the sense of humor that you speak of and be ok with feeling sad from time to time....that's what I am doing. sending positive thoughts to help heal your heart and thanks for sharing.
 
David Stifle said:
Thanks Rick,

The one thing that came over me was a powerful realization I needed to keep the people I love closer than I have been. In the end, the only thing you truely leave behind are the people who make up your life.
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That's it right there, bud. Money gets spent, trinkets get lost... even fame beyond the grave is only a narrow interpretation. Those close to you in life will remember who you truly were. Your legacy lives within them. Sound's like your pop has quite the legacy... and you have something to live up to. Regards.
 
Tinwhiskers, thanks. You pretty much expressed how I feel. I seem to have skipped all the stages of grieving, and am left with a sense of loss. I'm sorry about your Dad too, 57 years old is so young.

Rick, yeah, that's how I'm thinking, and I'm going to change some of my ways. Life, even a long one, is so short.

R. Scheppmann, thank you.
 
I feel your loss, David. My dad is suffering in the final stages of cancer now. All good men die eventually... I only wish there wasn't so much pain associated with it.

- Greg
 
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